Rotary shelf system

ABSTRACT

A shelf system is shown and described. In one embodiment, the system is for use with a post having at least one aperture. The system comprises a first head and a second head configured to mount to the post. The system also includes a collar configured to encircle the post and rest on the first and second heads. The collar may engage a shelf or may be integral with a shelf. The collar has an inner track configured to contact the first head and an outer track configured to contact the second head. The collar is configured to allow the shelf to rotate around the post from a first rest-position and return to the first-rest position without encountering a second rest-position.

FIELD

This application is entitled to the filing date of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/025,948 filed Feb. 4, 2008.

The present invention relates to a rotary shelf construction and assembly and, more particularly, to a fixed-post rotary shelf construction and assembly. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to improving the rotation and stability of fixed-post rotary shelf systems.

RELATED ART

Corner cabinets, e.g., corner kitchen cabinets, are common features in most houses or businesses. These cabinets offer significant storage space that is commonly difficult to access because of the depth or shape of the cabinet. Rotary shelving or “Lazy Susan” type shelving is often used to enhance access to the space contained within corner cabinets. Rotary shelves typically come in two types, rotating-post types and fixed-post types. With rotating-post types of rotary shelves, the shelf is fixedly attached to the rotating post to achieve shelf rotation within the cabinet. With fixed-post types of rotary shelves, the shelf is allowed to rotate around the fixed post to achieve shelf rotation. Each of these types of rotary shelves also commonly has a desired rest-position for the shelf. For example, a rest-position may be a position along the rotation of the shelf that is somewhat resistant to rotation and used to maintain the shelf at a particular location. Rest-positions are desirable, for example, for proper cabinet door positioning or simply to allow for a reference point for positioning or locating items on a shelf.

The fixed-post type of rotary shelf has historically had drawbacks. For example, they are either unable to rotate a full 360 degrees smoothly or without a bump at 180 degrees from the rest-position, or they are unable to adequately distribute the load of the shelf. Some, for example, in an effort to distribute the load of the shelf evenly, have constructed shelves that rotate on dual contact points. With this type of construction, shelves have a desired first rest-position, e.g., at 0 degrees, and an undesirable second rest-position or bump, e.g., at 180 degrees. This second “bump” disrupts operation and can cause items stored on shelves to topple during rotation. To address this problem, others have constructed shelves that rotate on a single contact point, which allows for only a single rest-position. These shelves, however, fail to evenly distribute the shelf load on both sides of the post, and thus lead to an unstable or un-level shelf.

It is to these, and other, problems that the present invention is directed.

SUMMARY

In typical embodiments, the object of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a rotary shelf that can rotate a full 360 degrees with only a single rest-position;

Another object of typical embodiments of the present invention is to provide a rotary shelf that rotates smoothly and in a substantially level position;

Still another object of typical embodiments of the present invention is to provide a rotary shelf that rotates on at least dual contact points;

A further object of typical embodiments is to provide a fixed-post type of rotary shelf that rotates on dual contact points and that can rotate a full 360 degrees with only a single rest-position;

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a rotary shelf system that is easy to manufacture and install.

To summarize, one embodiment of the invention includes a shelf system for use with a post having an aperture. The system comprises a first head and a second head configured to mount to the post. The system also includes a collar configured to encircle the post and rest on the first and second heads. The collar may engage a shelf or may be integral with a shelf. The collar has an inner track configured to contact the first head and an outer track configured to contact the second head. The collar is configured to allow the shelf to rotate around the post from a first rest-position and return to the first-rest position without encountering a second rest-position.

The above summary was intended to summarize certain embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention will be set forth in more detail in the figures and detailed description below. It will be apparent, however, that the detailed description is not intended to limit the present invention, the scope of which should be properly determined by the appended claims.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the shelf system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 a shows a partial view of the system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 b shows is a partially exploded perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 2 a;

FIG. 3 shows a close-up exploded perspective view of part of the system shown in FIG. 2 b;

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show close-up, partial views of the system shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b show close-up, partial views of the system shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, with the collar rotated out of the rest-position;

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b show another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b show another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view one embodiment of a fixed-post type of rotary shelf system 2. In this embodiment, system 2 includes base plate 4 connected to post 6. Base plate 4 is configured to be mounted to the floor of a cabinet through mounting apertures 4 a defined by base plate 4. A pair of shelves 10 a and 10 b encircle post 6 and are able to rotate from a first rest-position 360 degrees around post 6 and return to the first rest-position without encountering a second bump or rest-position. Shelves 10 a and 10 b define pie-shaped notches 12 a and 12 b. Notches 12 a and 12 b may serve as a location for mounting doors (not shown) to the shelf system or may be a space into which doors are closed. Others embodiments include other shapes or no notches at all.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b show the shelf system of FIG. 1, however, portions of shelves 10 a and 10 b have not been illustrated to facilitate viewing; in particular, only the hubs of shelves 10 a and 10 b are shown. FIG. 2 b is similar to FIG. 2 a, except that FIG. 2 b is partially exploded along post 6 to further illustrate components of the shelf system. As seen in FIG. 2 b, system 2 includes collar 12, which is preferably substantially annularly shaped, encircling post 6. Post 6 includes aperture 16. System 2 also includes first head 14 a and second head 14 b configured to mount to post 6.

FIG. 3 shows a close-up perspective view of the lower portion of the system of FIG. 2 b. First head 14 a and second head 14 b are configured to mount to post 6. In this embodiment, heads 14 a and 14 b are mounted to post 6 by connecting pin 20 a to pin 20 b through aperture 16. As shown, pin 20 a and pin 20 b connect by snaps 22 a and 22 b. In other embodiments, pins connect in other ways, e.g., threadably, still others may desire other ways of mounting heads, all of which are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Collar 12 slidably and rotatably encircles post 6. Collar 12 is also configured to mount within recess 10 c of shelf 10 b, in a manner that prevents collar 12 from rotating relative to shelf 10 b. While collar 12 is shown as separate from shelf 10 b, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that collar 12 could be integral with shelf 10 b, for example, such that the collar and shelf hub or shelf are a single piece.

Collar 12 includes an inner track 22 and an outer track 24. Preferably inner track 22 defines inner indent 22 a, and outer track 24 defines outer indent 24 a. In this embodiment, inner indent 22 a is substantially opposite outer indent 24 a, but in other embodiments include other positioning. When assembled and heads 14 a and 14 b are mounted to post 6, collar 12 will rest on heads 14 a and 14 b, typically in a substantially level position, with inner track 22 contacting first head 14 a and outer track 24 contacting second head 14 b. As seen, inner indent 22 a is shaped to engagably receive first head 14 a, and outer indent 22 a is shaped to engagably receive second head 14 b. Inner indent 22 a has a first slope 22 b, and outer indent 24 a has a second slope 24 b. Preferably, slopes 22 b and 24 b are configured to allow inner indent 22 a to rest on inner head 14 a smoothly and evenly, at substantially the same time as outer indent 22 a rests on outer head 14 b, thereby allowing for a smooth and even force distribution as collar 12 rotates into and out of the rest-position, as shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b. The smooth and even transition into and out of the rest-position may be further facilitated by a curved portion of the first head, the second head, or both. For example, the curvature of circular heads 14 a and 14 b may allow them to be more smoothly received by the inner and outer indents. Others may desire other types of curvature, e.g., semicircular, oval or other rounded shapes. All such embodiments are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show various perspective views of shelf system 2 similar to the view shown in FIG. 3, however, in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b shelf 10 b and mounting plate 4 are not shown to further facilitate viewing. Referring to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b generally, collar 12 is resting on first head 14 a and on second head 14 b. First head 14 a is offset from post 6 a first distance D1, which is in this embodiment, very minimal, e.g., about 1 mm. Second head 14 b is offset from post 6 a second distance D2, which is preferably greater than D1, e.g., about 5 mm. The offset distances, D1 and D2, of heads 14 a and 14 b are selected to allow first head 14 a to engagably support inner track 22, and to allow second head 14 b to engagably support outer track 24. In these views, first head 14 a is received by inner indent (not visible) of inner track 22, and second head 14 b is received by outer indent (not visible) of outer track 24, such that the collar is in a rest-position. Inner indent and outer indent are configured to create a single rest-position, for the collar (or shelf attached thereto), and the remainder of the inner and outer tracks are substantially flat, thereby allowing the collar to rotate around the post a full 360 degrees and return to the rest-position without encountering a second rest-position. Some may also desire to position guides (not shown) along side tracks to facilitate head-to-track alignment, and such embodiments are also considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b show various perspective views of the system shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, with collar 12 rotated out of the rest-position. As collar 12 rotates, inner indent 22 a and outer indent 24 a rotate off of, and no longer receive, first and second heads 14 a and 14 b. As collar 12 rotates, first head 14 a supports inner track 22, and second head 14 b supports outer track 24.

In this embodiment, to facilitate rotation of collar 12, and movement into and out of the rest-position, first head 14 a and second head 14 b are circular rollers. However, others may achieve the invention with any number of fixed, heads or rollers or combinations thereof. For example, with fixed heads, rather than rolling over the heads, the collar would slide over the head or heads. In such embodiments, applicants suggest selecting materials for the head and collar that have coefficient of friction low enough to achieve the desired movement, e.g., plastics. In other embodiments, rather than having the head itself roll, the head may be fixed and include smaller mounted rollers, e.g., ball or needle bearings. All such embodiments are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

In terms of assembly, referring primarily back to FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, post 6 is mounted to a cabinet (not shown) through mounting plate 4. Heads 14 a and 14 b are mounted to post 6. Collar 12 may be inserted into the hub of a self, e.g., 10 a or 10 b, and the combination may be placed on post 6. Alternatively, collar 12 may be placed on post 6 and the shelf may be lowered down post 6 to engage collar 12. After assembly, the shelves will rest on heads 14 a and 14 b, 2 as shown in FIG. 2 a. Those of ordinary skill will recognize that mounting plate 4 will preferably be mounted to the interior floor of a cabinet, yet other embodiments of the present invention will work equally as well if mounting plate 4 is mounted, for example, to the interior top of the cabinet. Additionally, while one of the benefits of the present invention is its ability to operate smoothly with only one mounting plate, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other embodiments may use two mounting plates, e.g., a plate to attach to the internal floor of a cabinet and a plate to attach to the internal top of a cabinet. Typically, system 2 will be installed to have a rest-position of the system configured to correspond with the corner of a kitchen cabinet.

As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings contained herein, heads may mount to the post in a variety of ways. For example, heads may mount to the post by connecting to each other in a variety of ways, e.g. threadably, snapably, with the assistance of different components, etc., and all combinations thereof. FIGS. 6 a and 6 b, for example, show heads 30 a and 30 b connecting to each other by attaching to opposite ends of pin 32. Assembly can be easily achieved by positioning pin 32 into post 6 and connecting heads 30 a and 30 b to opposite ends of pin 32.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of heads connecting to each other. First head 40 a is fixedly mounted to one end of pin 42 and second head 40 b connects to the opposite end of pin 42. As seen, second head 40 b defines an aperture 44 sized to receive a portion of pin 42. Assembly can be easily achieved by positioning pin 42 into post 6 and connecting head 40 b to pin 42.

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b show another configuration for mounting heads to the post. For example, heads may threadably engage at least one aperture of the post rather than connect to each other as discussed in some of the previous embodiments. In the depicted embodiment, threaded inserts 52 are positioned into aperture 16. Bolts 54 are positioned within apertures 56 of heads 50 a and 50 b are threadably received by threaded inserts 52. Others may prefer to thread aperture 16 rather than using threaded inserts 52, and all such embodiments and combinations thereof are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Although the previously disclosed embodiments include two heads, typically mounted substantially linearly or substantially opposite each other, others may prefer additional heads or mounting heads in other ways. For example, FIG. 9 shows a post configuration 60 allowing heads 62 a and 62 b to be mounted in a substantially non-linear fashion. FIG. 10, somewhat similarly, includes three heads 72 a, 72 b, and 72 c mounted to post 70 with threaded inserts 74 and bolts 76 similar to those previously described. As will be appreciated, each of heads 72 a, 72 b, and 72 c are configured to engage a collar having an inner indent (configured to engage heads 72 a and 72 b) and an outer indent (configured to engage head 72 c). Others may prefer more or less heads to engage either the inner or the outer track. All such embodiments are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

From the preceding description, it can be seen that the present invention provides a system that meets all the advantages of related systems and offers additional advantages not heretofore achievable. With respect to the foregoing invention, the optimum dimensional relationship to the parts of the invention including variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, use and assembly are deemed readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed herein.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of certain embodiments of the present invention. Numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, and it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. The present invention is intended to be limited only by the broad scope of the appended claims. 

1. A shelf system for use with a post having at least one aperture, said system comprising: a first head configured to mount to said post; a second head configured to mount to said post; and a collar configured to encircle said post and rest on said first head and said second head when said heads are mounted to said post, wherein said collar has an inner track configured to contact said first head and an outer track configured to contact said second head.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said first head is configured to be offset from said post a first distance, and wherein said second head is configured to be offset from said post a second distance that is greater than said first distance.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein said first distance is selected to allow said first head to engagably support said inner track, and said second distance is selected to allow said second head to engagably support said outer track.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said inner track of said collar includes an inner indent, and wherein said outer track of said collar includes an outer indent.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein said inner indent is shaped to engagably receive said first head, and wherein said outer indent is shaped to engagably receive said second head.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein said inner indent and said outer indent are configured to create a single rest position for said collar, and wherein the remainder of said inner track and said outer track are substantially flat, thereby allowing said collar to rotate around said post 360 degrees and return to said single rest position without encountering a second rest-position.
 7. The system of claim 4, wherein said outer indent is substantially opposite said inner indent.
 8. The system of claim 4, wherein said inner indent has a first slope and said outer indent has a second slope, wherein said first slope and said second slope are configured to allow said inner indent to rest on said first head as said outer indent rests on said second head, thereby allowing for smooth and even force distribution as said collar rotates into and out of said rest position.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein said first head, said second head, or both, include a curved portion.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein said first head, said second head, or both, include rollers.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein said first head and said second head are configured to mount to said post by connecting to each other.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein said first head and said second head connect to each other by connecting said first head to one end of a pin and connecting said second head at the opposite end of said pin.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein said first head and said second head connect to each other by having either said first head or said second head fixedly mounted to one end of a pin, and having the other head define an aperture sized to receive said pin, wherein said heads connect by positioning said pin within said aperture.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein said first head is attached to a first pin, and wherein said second head is attached to a second pin, and wherein said first pin and said second pin connect within said post.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein said first head and said second head are configured to mount to said post by threadably engaging said at least one aperture.
 16. The system of claim 1, further including at least one additional head configured to engage said collar.
 17. A shelf system for use with a post having at least one aperture, said system comprising: (a) a first head configured to mount to said post and be offset from said post a first distance; (b) a second head configured to mount to said post and be offset from said post a second distance that is greater than said first distance; and (c) a collar configured to encircle said post and rest on said first head and said second head when said heads are mounted to said post, wherein said collar has (i) a substantially circular inner track configured to rest on said first head, said inner track including an inner indent shaped to receive said first head, and (ii) an outer track substantially coaxial with said inner track, said outer track configured to rest on said second head and including an outer indent shaped to receive said second head.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein said inner indent is shaped and positioned to engagably receive said first head as said outer indent receives said second head, thereby establishing a first rest position and allowing said collar to rotate around said post 360 degrees and return to said single rest position without encountering a second rest-position.
 19. A rotary shelf system comprising: (a) a post; (b) a first head mounted to said post and offset from said post a first distance; (c) a second head mounted to said post and offset from said post a second distance greater than said first distance; (d) a substantially circular shaped collar encircling said post, said collar having a top and a bottom, wherein said bottom of said collar defines an inner track and an outer track substantially coaxial with said inner track, and wherein said inner track rests on said first head and said outer track rests on said second head; and (e) a shelf connected to said collar.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein said inner track includes an inner indent and said outer track includes an outer indent, wherein said inner indent and said outer indent are shaped and positioned to engagably receive said first head and said second head at substantially the same time, thereby establishing a first rest position and allowing said collar to rotate around said post 360 degrees and return to said single rest position without encountering a second rest-position. 